VACATION IDEAS

12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

Spring is on its way, and we can't think of a better way to jump-start your travel plans than ogling some of the most amazing natural wonders on earth! These lakes come in all shapes and sizes but have one thing in common: They top our list of the most exquisite eye candy out there!

Taal Lake, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines at 564 feet deep, and it is home to one of the world's smallest, but most active, volcanoes.

(Courtesy Luca Tettoni/Corbis)

Not only is Lake Malawi home to 1,000 species of fish (estimated to be more than anyplace on earth), it's also Africa's third largest lake at 363 miles long and approximately 50 miles wide in spots.

(Ian Cumming/age fotostock)

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake. The southern shore is home to hot springs and resort towns laced with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels.

(Svenja-Foto/Corbis)

If the shape of Italy is a couture boot, think of the imprint of Lake Garda as a design from the funky sister line—long and skinny at the top, opening up toward the bottom.

(Sandro Vannini/Corbis)

Croatia's 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes are connected by hundreds of waterfalls. The waters are amazingly clear. Walk on well-maintained wooden planks to get to the edge.

A fisherman on Lake Atitlán, nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala.

(Frans Lemmens/Corbis)

Lake Atitlán rests at the foot of massive conical volcanoes.

(José Fuste Raga/Corbis)

In the Canadian province of Alberta, Peyto Lake lies amid the Canadian Rockies. Its waters pop with a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora.

(Courtesy Travel Alberta)

About 8,000 years ago, the top of a 12,000-foot-high volcano in the Cascade Range exploded. The massive pit left behind became known as Crater Lake, the centerpiece of a national park in southern Oregon.

Recent Features

The snow will melt! We promise! And Budget Travelers know that there's no time like spring to visit brag-worthy beaches and celebrated cities—for a fraction of what the crowds will be paying in summer! From the shores of the Atlantic to party towns like Vegas and NOLA, we've got stylish steals for a spring break that won't break the bank.